Play poker like a master by knowing Game Theory Optimal Poker is a social game where players win if they have a better command of statistics and psychology. Most players can only afford one or the other but if you want to have mathematics on your side, then use Game Theory Optimal (GTO). Key takeaways Game Theory Optimal (GTO) offers a simple but hard-to-exploit strategy in poker. GTO needs you to understand the statistical advantages of different winning hands to categorise them as strong, medium, and weak.